Olopatadine (Into the nose)

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Treats stuffy or runny nose caused by allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Drug classes

Nasal Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Olopatadine nasal spray is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal (short-term) allergic rhinitis (hay fever), such as sneezing, itchy or runny nose, or itchy eyes. It is an antihistamine and works by preventing the release of histamine in the body. Olopatadine will also block the effects of histamine, which prevents the allergic symptoms.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Spray

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

Prime the spray bottle before you use it for the first time. Remove the safety clip and plastic cap. Point the bottle away from your face. Pump the spray 5 times or until some medicine comes out. The medicine is now ready to use.

If you do not use the medicine for 7 days or longer, pump the spray 2 times to re-prime the bottle.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Keep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Throw the medicine away after 240 sprays or after the expiration date.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to olopatadine.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Heavy or unexplained bleeding from your nose, sores or ulcers in the nose

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Bitter taste

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Patanase

There may be other brand names for this medicine.